Pain in the intestines on the right and left side of the lower abdomen can be caused by various reasons. This symptom is typical for people who have gastroenterological, gynecological and urological diseases. Pain in the intestines on the right and left side of the lower abdomen indicates pathologies in the pelvis. At the first complaint, the patient should contact a medical expert. At the private clinic “KDS Clinic”, specialists will conduct an initial examination, give advice and refer you for a diagnostic examination. We will help you determine the cause of the disease and select an individual treatment program.
Severe pain inside the abdomen is a clear sign of diseases that affect the large or small intestine. The process of spasms leads to the accumulation of lactic acid in the body, which irritates the nerve endings and causes pain.
Severe pain in the intestines is the result of poor nutrition, a side effect after taking medications, or an inflammatory process. Inflammatory processes in the intestines are accompanied by pain, nausea, bloating, colic and bad bowel movements.
Diseases of the biliary tract
Biliary colic may manifest itself as pain in the abdomen on the right. The pain is localized in the right hypochondrium and epigastrium (upper abdomen), sometimes radiating to the scapula 1, 2. It is worth noting that if biliary colic occurs, it is important to consult a doctor who will diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Biliary colic is one of the main manifestations of acute cholecystitis against the background of cholelithiasis1. The cause of cholecystolithiasis is gallstones from cholesterol crystals, salts and other substances that block the cystic duct of the gallbladder. This leads to increased pressure in the biliary tract and the occurrence of spasms. In addition, stones and crystals can irritate the lining of the bladder and bile ducts6, 17, 18.
The result is a pain syndrome that ranges from mild to severe. Sometimes it is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, but symptoms of intoxication (fever, weakness) are often absent6. The pain occurs suddenly and lasts from 15 minutes to several hours. The frequency of attacks also varies: from daily to once a year or even less often6.
For pain associated with spasm in diseases of the biliary tract, taking antispasmodic drugs can help1. For example, the active component of the drugs No-shpa® and No-shpa® forte, drotaverine, helps relax the smooth muscles of internal organs (including the biliary tract), helping to relieve pain7, 22.
Pain in the right hypochondrium can be associated not only with cholelithiasis, but also with other diseases of the biliary tract, for example, cholecystitis or papillitis1.
What is considered normal?
Why does my stomach hurt after the first sex? Most often this is due to mechanical irritation of the vaginal mucous membranes and rupture of the hymen. In addition to physiological factors, the development of pain syndrome can also be triggered by a girl’s psychological unpreparedness to enter into an intimate relationship.
Fears and stiffness contribute to overstrain of the pelvic organs, which significantly increases the risks of irritation and traumatic injuries. In this case, a lot depends on the behavior of the partner. Slow and sensual, gentle sexual contact during defloration will significantly reduce pain, both during sexual intercourse and after it.
Pancreatic diseases
Pain usually occurs when this organ becomes inflamed and can be felt in several places. For example, when the head of the gland is affected, it is felt in the right hypochondrium, sometimes taking on a encircling character1. Some people are bothered by nagging and aching pain in the back1.
Pain from pancreatic disease may be worse when a person is lying down, but usually gets better when sitting because the tension on the pancreatic capsule is reduced1.
Pain due to diseases of the pancreas can be constant and painful. Their intensification can be provoked by the nature of the food and drinks taken: with alcoholic pancreatitis, complaints become more intense after eating spicy and sour foods, and with inflammation of the pancreas associated with damage to the ductal system - after eating fatty foods8.
Pancreatic pathology is also characterized by weakness, irritability, insomnia, and decreased performance. From the digestive tract, nausea, vomiting without a feeling of relief, bloating, alternating diarrhea and constipation may occur8.
Recently, the incidence of pancreatitis has been steadily increasing due to alcohol consumption8.
Diagnosis of pain during sexual intercourse
Gynecologists at the Yauza Clinical Hospital carefully study the patient’s medical history and carefully examine the external genitalia, vagina and cervix, as well as bimanual palpation of the uterus and appendages.
Additional diagnostic methods are prescribed:
- Testing for sexually transmitted infections. Taking smears from the vagina and cervix, determining hidden sexually transmitted infections using PCR (for colpitis, vulvovaginitis).
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs. A safe and effective method for detecting many gynecological diseases.
- Colposcopy and vulvoscopy. Examination of the cervix, vulvar mucosa and vagina under magnification helps to identify various pathologies of the mucous membranes of the genital organs.
- Hysteroscopy. Hardware examination is carried out if uterine endometriosis is suspected.
- Laparoscopy. Performed to diagnose adhesive disease and dissect adhesions through punctures in the abdominal wall.
Pain may appear after many years of marriage. According to statistics, every tenth woman experiences regular pain during sexual intercourse. To get rid of the problem forever, make an appointment with a gynecologist. Examination and treatment in our clinic is safe, anonymous and effective. Make an appointment and we will take care of your health.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
This condition is not associated with changes in the structure of organs and systems. However, pain with irritable bowel syndrome is almost always observed and is a common symptom overall. Women usually suffer from IBS more often than men. Pain (from moderate to severe) can cover the lower abdomen, including the right side, but is most often localized on the left9. IBS often develops against the background of psychoemotional disorders10.
Symptoms of the disease usually subside in the evening and do not bother patients at night. The pain in some cases spreads to the upper abdomen, radiating to the rectum and epigastric region9-11. An important role in the formation of complaints is played by impaired intestinal motility, accompanied by spasm. As part of complex therapy for IBS, antispasmodics (for example, No-shpu® and No-shpu® forte) can be used, which helps reduce pain7, 12, 22.
Gas-forming products
There are a huge variety of foods that contribute to gas formation in the intestines. These include foods containing carbons, lactose, coarse fiber, and yeast. Consider the list of such products:
- white cabbage causes fermentation in the intestines due to its high content of coarse fiber and sulfur;
- legume products: beans, peas. Such products are poorly processed in the stomach. In the intestines they are susceptible to attack by microorganisms. Before cooking, beans should be soaked in water, this will promote better digestion;
- dairy products. Some people cannot digest lactose at all. But fermented milk products, on the contrary, contribute to good intestinal function;
- raw vegetables and fruits: peaches, apples, pears, grapes, radishes;
- beer, kvass;
- fresh bakery;
- meat dishes;
- sweet carbonated drinks.
An important point in the process of gas formation is the combination of food products. The following products do not combine well with each other: fish and eggs, milk and baked goods, dairy and fermented milk products, multi-ingredient dishes.
Urinary tract diseases
Pain on the right side may be caused by urolithiasis. If the right ureter is affected, there may be pain on the right in the abdomen and lower back1, 2. When the stone moves, the pain on the right can move to the lower abdomen, radiate to the genitals, and the inner thighs. If the stone is located in the lower third of the right ureter, the person is bothered by a constant painful urge to urinate2, 13. The pain is usually wave-like in nature, and for spasms in diseases of the urinary tract, the use of antispasmodics, for example No-shpa®, may be indicated or No-shpa® forte7, 13, 16, 22. The passage of stone or sand from the ureter is often manifested by pain and blood in the urine13.
Postcoital cystitis is one of the most common causes of pain
Acute inflammation of the bladder quite often occurs during active sexual activity. There is even a special term for this - honeymoon cystitis. Why does sexual intercourse become an unfavorable factor?
It's all about the mechanical effect on the urethra, stagnation of blood in its lower third and changes in the tone of the pelvic floor muscles. These factors can appear separately or combine, reinforcing each other. As a result, E. coli or Staphylococcus aureus - the main causative agents of inflammation - easily penetrate the genitourinary system. Cystitis also often develops after unprotected sexual intercourse, during which there is a high risk of bacterial infection.
The use of contraceptives containing spermicides makes the situation even more tense: their active components reduce the number of beneficial lactobacilli in the vagina and change its pH level, opening access to the urethra for bacteria.
An effective way to treat postcoital cystitis and eliminate pain is antibacterial therapy, but it should only be prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication is unacceptable.
Pain in the lower abdomen on the right side in women
On the right side of women are the right appendages of the uterus: fallopian tube and ovary. With inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, there may be pain in the lower abdomen on the right. Pain during the chronic process is aching, spreads to the lower back and suprapubic region, and is often combined with urinary disorders. Exacerbations may be accompanied by chills, nausea, sometimes vomiting, and discharge from the genital tract2, 14.
If the pain in the lower abdomen on the right begins suddenly and sharply, it may be a rupture or torsion of the cyst leg, or an ectopic pregnancy. The right lower abdomen hurts sharply, sometimes leading to fainting, the pain often radiates to the rectum. Patients try not to move so as not to increase the pain. Signs of intoxication and circulatory disorders may gradually appear: pallor, cold sticky sweat, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and sometimes bloody discharge appears from the genital tract2, 14. Of course, if such symptoms appear, you must immediately seek medical help.
Pain in the right lower abdomen may periodically occur due to the connection with the menstrual cycle. Pain during menstruation can manifest itself as cramping or be aching and bursting. They often arise in the lower abdomen and then spread to the back, inner thighs, and rectum19-21.
Methods of treating pathologies
Cervical erosion
Some disorders, such as features of the hymen, cannot be treated. Psycho-emotional blockages require the patient to work with a psychotherapist and psychologist. If pain persists for a long time and a certain disease is identified, complex therapy is prescribed:
- hormonal drugs;
- surgical intervention;
- medical manipulations such as cauterization of erosion;
- antibiotics for infections.
To correct pain during the treatment of the underlying disease, antispasmodics, analgesics and anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs are often prescribed.
A pulling sensation in the lower abdomen after unprotected intercourse is not pregnancy in most cases. Especially if they occur on the first or second day after coitus. For a full diagnosis and identification of the exact cause of the condition, a visit to a gynecologist, tests and ultrasound are required.
Acute appendicitis
Perhaps this is the first pathology that a person thinks about when pain appears in the lower abdomen on the right. The pain in this case does not go away, arising near the navel, and eventually moves downwards1, 2, 15. The sensation may begin as dull, gradually becoming tugging, cutting, burning. A person’s health deteriorates and symptoms of digestive disorders occur: vomiting, bloating, constipation, and sometimes diarrhea15.
Acute appendicitis is treated surgically; if similar symptoms appear, you should immediately call an ambulance1.
Prevention measures
The following recommendations will help you avoid flatulence: heat treat vegetables and fruits, season salads with vegetable oil - olive or sunflower, and do not wash down your food with sweet carbonated foods.
Use day-old bread rather than freshly baked bread. Soak the beans until completely swollen. Drink water thirty minutes before meals and at least half an hour after meals. Eat food in small portions and chew thoroughly. Lead a healthy and active lifestyle, avoid stressful situations.
Bloating in the lower abdomen is an unpleasant phenomenon that causes discomfort. In some cases, flatulence occurs due to the abuse of gas-forming products, overeating or bad habits.
In some cases, the cause of bloating can be a serious illness that requires emergency medical attention. The diagnosis is made by a specialist; you should not try on the role of a doctor. When the first alarming symptoms appear, contact a specialized institution.
